Mothproofing composition



Patented July 5, 1927.

. UNITED, S A ES) PATENT F E- 1 manna. o. manrr, or NEW YORK,N. yassrsuoa, BY m assrenmmrs mo THE Lanvnx Yonx.

,NoDrawin'g.

This invention relates to the'moth'proofing of woolens,,more especiallyafter they leave the mill and either before or, after they are made intoclothing or other articles. In the moth proofing'of woolens, it is theaim to impregnate the wool fibers with solutions which will render themimmune to the attack ofthe mothlarvae. These solutions generally containa toxic substance of suitable character, anyone of several of which mavbe employed. t

Ca reful study and research have convinced me, however, that althoughthe solution to be usedmay contain a thoroughly satisfactory toxicsubstanc'e,fit may nevertheless be wholly impracticalorjineflicientbecause ofthe fact that frequently woolens are encountered which repelthe moth proofing solution to such extent that proper imp'regnation ofthe woolens by such solution does not take'place. f Qj My observationshave convinced me that one of the most important considerations in themoth proofing of woolens is toinsure thorough distribution of thesolution throughout the goods under treatment in order that thoroughimpregnation of such woolens by the moth'proofing solution will result.

I have experimented with many moth proofing solutions containingcompositions which would thoroughly. protect woolens against the attackof moth larvw, if it were possible to properly impregnate such woolenswith these solutions, but, 1n many instances, such solutions would notwet the fibers nor impregnate them to the extent necessary to a ermanentmoth proofing.

t is not uncommon to find fibers of woolens covered or coated withdifferent materials such as grease or wax, etc. which interfere with theinteraction of the moth CORPORATION, or BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, aoonrona'rrou or-maw I w 7 no'rnrnoormo ooMros'IrIoN. 7

Application filed June '24, 1924. Serial x 722,064; R

the moth proofing solution should have some aflinity toward thematerials to be streated so that it can attack them, even thoughslightly, by chemical and physical interaction wlththe fibers, thecoating, or both combined Aside from these considerations, it should beborne in-mind that when treating finished woolens, the moth proofingoperation must be carried on in an expeditious manner. -In other words,it; is important thatthemoth proofing solution can be applied quickly,as by spraying or spongin and'the goods permitted to immediately ry, incontradistinction toa prolonged treatment such, as might be obtained byprolonged immersion. It therefore becomes 'imperativeithat-the solutionbe so constituted as to impregnate the fabric immediately upon beingdeposited thereon, in order to efficiently fulfill; commercialrequirements. I

' With'these considerations in mind, I have concluded that in thecompounding of a moth proofing solution, it is of primary importance toinsure proper impregnation of the woolens, since unless thoroughimpregnation is possible proper moth proofing connot be obtainedirrespective as to what toxic substance is used.

The object of the present 'invention'there fore is primarily to provideamoth proofing solution which will embody a carrier or vehicleconstituted to rapidly impregnate woolens and serving the purpose ofconveying or carrying the toxic into intimate physical and chemicalcooperation with the woolen fibers in order that efi'ective and durablemoth proofing may result.

I have found that a very satisfactory carrier or vehicle, well adaptedfor the wetting of woolens, ma be obtained, through em ployment, as aase, of a solution of an oranic colloid or combination of colloids uch asolution wilk rapidly im regnate woolens and will carry a moth proo ngtoxic compounded therewith into intimate physical. and chemicalinteraction with the woolen fibers.

In carrying out the invention inpractice, it is desirable that theorganic colloid solution be stable and any suitable colloid may beemployed together with any suitable toxic substance. I have found thatorganic acids of the fatty acid series and their salts besuch acids,but, for t duce. )etter carryingellects, but it the concentration is toohigh the appearance of: the treated woolens W11 be impaired.

I have found it advantageous to use a small percentage of gelatine inadmixture with the oleate, in order toimpart advantageous stability tothe solution, and, in practice, approximately .OUi'if/n of gelatinc willgive satisfactory results.

One formula which may he employed, although obviously not the exclusiveone embodies: .1% sodium oleate, .0059}; gelatine; and, 1% sodiumfluoride.

I have further found that by adding to this solution a small anddefinitely determined amount of free organic acid the composition willbe improved both from the standpoint of good wetting and also for increasing thepermancncy oi the treatment. For example, the preferred com'aisirion, though not the exclusive one, may he as follows: )1 sodiumoloate, loii'ur gclatine, 1% sodium fluoride; and, .OOtfik citric acid.

The strengths or concentration of the above constituents may var ywithout departing from the invention.

1 wish to emphasize that the formulae which have been specificallycnumcraimi. are only illustrative and do. not dclinc the limits of thisinvention, which, broadly stated, consists in the employment in a mothproofing composition of an organic colloid solution which serves as acarrier or vehicle to carry a solution of 1% function properly in theprotection of the fabric against the ravages of the moth larvae. Forthese reasons, it is to be understood that the invention is notrestricted to the specific illustrative examples given but that it is asbroadly novel as is commensurate with the appended claims.

Having thus fully described the invention, What I claim as new anddesire to so cure by Letters Patent is: y

1. A moth proofing composition containing sodium oleate, gelatine, and asoluble fluoride.

2. A moth proofing composition containing sodium oleate approximately1%, elatine approximately .0057), and sodium uoride approximately 1%.

3. A moth proofing composition containing a soluble organic colloid, atoxic substance, and an organic acid.

t. A moth proofing composition containing a soluble organic colloid, a.toxic substance, and an organic acid in a quantity not exceeding .0170.

5. A moth proofing composition containing sodium oleate approximately .1tine approximately ,UUiiHp, a soluble fluoride approximately mately.0O4%.

(5. A moth proofing composition containing sodium oleate approximately1%, gelatine approximately 005%, sodium fluoride approximately 1%, andcitric acid approximately .004;%.

in testimony whereof I have signed the foregoing specification.

MICHAEL G. MINAEFF.

1%, and citric acid approxi-'

